Athletics: Top hurdler Kristiina Halonen injured, may be sidelined until 2028

Finnish 400-meter hurdler Kristiina Halonen faces a lengthy recovery after sustaining a severe injury during training. The 28-year-old athlete announced that she might not return to competition until the 2028 season, following surgery scheduled for next week.

Halonen described the incident, which occurred during warm-ups before the Finnish Championships (Kalevan Kisat). "I was practicing hurdles and fell. I tore the anterior and medial cruciate ligaments in my right leg, the meniscus ripped, and at the same time, I dislocated my kneecap twice," she explained.

The rehabilitation process is expected to take approximately a year, meaning Halonen will likely miss the entire next summer season. "Everything depends on how the rehabilitation goes, but the intention is to return to competition by 2028 at the latest," she stated.

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I was practicing hurdles and fell. I tore the anterior and medial cruciate ligaments in my right leg, the meniscus ripped, and at the same time, I dislocated my kneecap twice.

This injury prevents Halonen from competing in the upcoming European Championships, which she had qualified for via her ranking. Her season had already been somewhat subdued prior to the injury, with her best performance being 57.13 seconds at the Tampere GP. Her personal best of 55.32 seconds was set in May of the previous year.

Halonen is not the only Finnish hurdler facing health challenges. Viivi Lehikoinen, also a competitor in the 400m hurdles, withdrew from the Kalevan Kisat and has not competed since May due to health issues.

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The rehabilitation process is expected to take approximately a year. Everything depends on how the rehabilitation goes, but the intention is to return to competition by 2028 at the latest.